Can Your Leaders Clearly Articulate Their Faith?

In college, I found myself in the midst of a faith crisis wondering if there was something more to church than what I was experiencing. In walked the Jesuit priest Father B who not only empathized with my situation but was able to show me how he navigated through life’s biggest questions with his own story.

One of the biggest gifts you can give the next generation is YOUR STORY. They want to know that you empathize with their situation and can help them navigate through life. But, that can be overwhelming because you might not have the time to sit down with each of them like Father B could do with me.

That’s why it’s important to TURN YOUR FOCUS towards the adults in your ministry. The more adults in your ministry that can articulate their faith and share their story the more of an impact you can have with your teens. But, not every leader is equipped to do that. To help your leaders share their story you are going to have to help them along the way. Here are three simple steps I’ve used:

MEET WITH THEM ONE ON ONE

Try to meet with as many leaders one on one for a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. Use that time to get to show them the type of relationships you want them to have with the teens. You could go in asking, “Tell me about yourself?” but sometimes broad questions lead to vague answers. Instead, try these:

• What was your impression of God and the church as a small child? How did that change as you got older?
• Tell me about a person who had a huge impact on your faith growing up?
• What was your single biggest struggle with the church right after graduating high school?
• What do you do to refreshen and rejuvenate your faith?

Be prepared to answer the questions yourself. Show them how much you reflect on your own faith journey and work to articulate it.

MAKE YOUR MEETINGS SOCIAL

Whether you have a team of three or thirty you need to build in a culture where your adults are learning how to share their faith with one another. Spend about a third of your meeting time to break your team into small group discussions. They can answer questions like:

• What was the goofiest thing you ever did as a teenager?
• What was the biggest physical injury you have ever suffered?
• If you could go any place in the world for only 24 hours where would you go?
• If you could have lunch with any person dead or alive who would it be?

Not only are you helping them build relationships as a team, but giving them the experience of faith sharing in a non-threatening setting. Your meetings will be far more enjoyable and helpful in growing storytellers.

GIVE THEM OPPORTUNITIES TO WITNESS

Give your leaders the opportunity to share their story in front of a crowd. It doesn’t need to be in front of the teens, it could be at a parent meeting or your next volunteer training. To help them prepare:

• Share with them how you prepare to deliver and write out a message
• Have them write out the text and review it with them
• Make sure they practice it aloud and give them feedback on pacing, tone, and body language

Their story is going to come off more polished than in a small group setting, but all the preparation will help them embrace it more fully. You want leaders who not only know their story but are confident in sharing it. Public speaking can build that confidence.

As you show your leaders how to tell their stories, encourage them to pass along the information to their teens. One of the best ways to engage the next generation is not just by articulating your faith but helping them to do the same. Make storytelling a priority.

How do you help your leaders articulate their faith? 

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